11.10.09

FINAL PREVIEW

There will be an extraordinary amount of nonsense talked today about how the Neil Robertson v Ding Junhui Grand Prix final represents the globalisation of the sport.

No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.

There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.

There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.

Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.

The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.

Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.

There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.

I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.

It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.

I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.

But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.

Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.

I ceratinly think that this final takes the game a step forward.The impact of asia will not diminish by chinese players in finals twice on the trot.Less non-british players than in30 years??Maybe so, but not with the 96 prosystem.10 of the last 24 this season is non british-Irish.16 out of 96 is more than ever.Personally, I would think it more likely with a rankingtournament inIndia than in Australia.See:http://www.ibsf.info/worldchamps-india09.shtml" looks like an outstanding occasion!"I agree that the sport is dominatedby Britain and maybe it will be,"from the cradle to the grave"!The rankingsystem is deadening slow and for good mesure you have Pontins as the real spiritkiller.Looking at the names in the middle of the ranking could make you cry,so many have been there for ever.A few years back, 50 % were players that turned pro 1991.